Thai Basil Tofu Krapow

This fragrant Thai Basil Tofu transforms humble tofu into an explosion of savory, spicy goodness in less than 30 minutes. The aromatic combination of fresh Thai basil, garlic, and chilies creates that authentic street food experience right in your kitchen, without needing a trip to Thailand.

I first made this dish during a particularly busy week when I needed something fast yet satisfying. What started as a quick meal solution has become our family's go to whenever we crave Thai flavors but don't want to order takeout.

Ingredients

• Super firm tofu: The foundation of our dish that absorbs all the amazing flavors. Look for high protein organic super firm varieties like those from Trader Joes for best texture.
• Fresh Thai basil: The star ingredient that gives this dish its authentic flavor. Regular Italian basil works in a pinch but lacks the distinctive anise notes.
• Thai red chilies: These tiny peppers pack serious heat. Adjust quantities based on your spice tolerance.
• Garlic: Provides essential aromatic base. Fresh is non negotiable here.
• Red onions or shallots: Adds sweetness and depth. Shallots provide a more delicate flavor if available.
• Light soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness. Choose a quality brand for best results.
• Dark soy sauce: Adds color and rich flavor. This creates that beautiful caramelized look.
• Vegetarian oyster sauce: Creates depth and complexity. Mushroom based versions work perfectly.
• Sugar: Balances the heat and saltiness. Raw cane or palm sugar adds authentic flavor.
• Corn starch: Creates crispy texture when baking tofu. Can be omitted if pan frying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the tofu:

Remove excess moisture by pressing tofu between paper towels. Crumble into bite sized pieces without turning it to mush. Season with salt, pepper and cornstarch for extra crispiness.

Bake or fry the tofu:

For baked version, spread on a greased baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 25 minutes, tossing occasionally for even browning. For quicker preparation, pan fry until golden and moisture evaporates.

Create the aromatic base:

Heat oil in a wok until shimmering. Add garlic, chilies, and onions, sautéing just until fragrant and translucent. Take care not to burn the garlic as it will create bitterness.

Combine tofu and aromatics:

Add the prepared tofu to the wok, stirring to coat with the aromatic oil. Allow the flavors to meld together for 1 to 2 minutes over medium heat.

Add the sauce mixture:

Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl before adding to ensure even distribution. Pour over the tofu mixture, then rinse the bowl with 2 tablespoons of water to capture every bit of flavor.

Finish with Thai basil:

Add fresh Thai basil during the final minute of cooking. The leaves will wilt quickly, releasing their aromatic oils into the dish. Stir just until the basil is wilted but still vibrant.

Serve immediately:

Plate over steamed jasmine rice while still hot. Traditional serving includes a crispy fried egg on top for extra richness.

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The Thai basil truly makes this dish special. Its unique flavor cannot be fully replicated with regular basil, though in emergencies I have used it. My family was initially skeptical about a tofu based dish, but now they request this Pad Krapow regularly, often asking for extra chilies as their spice tolerance has increased over time.

Spice Level Adjustments

Thai food is known for its heat, but this recipe can easily accommodate different spice preferences. For a mild version suitable for children or those sensitive to spice, reduce the Thai chilies to just one, removing the seeds. Medium heat comes from using two whole chilies with seeds intact. For those who enjoy authentic Thai spice levels, use all four chilies as recommended, or even increase to six for true heat seekers. Remember that the spice intensifies slightly as leftovers, so consider this when preparing larger batches.

Making It Authentic

The traditional Thai version of this dish uses holy basil rather than Thai basil, but Thai basil is much more readily available in American markets and provides a similar aromatic quality. Authentic preparation also includes a dash of fish sauce, which we've omitted for a vegetarian version. The dark soy sauce provides that characteristic color that you'd find in restaurants. If available, cooking in a carbon steel wok over high heat will create authentic wok hei flavor that takes this dish to another level of authenticity.

Serving Suggestions

While jasmine rice is the traditional accompaniment, this versatile dish pairs beautifully with other bases. Try it over rice noodles for a pad thai inspired variation, or serve in lettuce cups for a lower carb option. The sauce is so flavorful that it even works well with cauliflower rice. Complete your Thai feast by starting with a simple tom yum soup and finishing with mango sticky rice for dessert. For a more substantial meal, add a side of simple stir fried vegetables like bok choy or Chinese broccoli with garlic.

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A flavorful, easy-to-make dish that will transform weeknight dinners into a restaurant-quality experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?

While Thai basil has a distinctive anise-like flavor that's signature to this dish, you can substitute regular (Italian) basil in a pinch. The flavor profile will be different but still delicious. If available, holy basil (the traditional herb used in authentic Pad Krapow) would be the best substitute.

→ How can I adjust the spiciness level?

To control the heat, adjust the number of Thai chilies. For a milder version, use just 1-2 chilies and remove the seeds. For medium heat, use 3-4 chilies. For authentic Thai spiciness, use the full 6 chilies with seeds intact. You can also substitute with milder peppers like jalapeños for less heat.

→ Is there a substitute for vegetarian oyster sauce?

If you can't find vegetarian oyster sauce, you can substitute with an extra tablespoon of soy sauce mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar and a drop of liquid smoke (if available). Alternatively, hoisin sauce with a splash of soy sauce works well as a replacement, though it will add a slightly different flavor profile.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh when the basil is just wilted and the tofu is still crispy. However, you can prepare the tofu in advance and store it in the refrigerator, then complete the stir-fry portion just before serving. Leftovers will keep for 2-3 days in the refrigerator but the texture of the tofu and basil will soften.

→ What can I serve with Thai Basil Tofu?

Traditionally, Thai Basil Tofu is served over steamed jasmine rice with an optional fried egg on top. For a complete meal, you could add a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing, some fresh sliced tomatoes, or a clear broth soup on the side. For a lower-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or in lettuce cups.

→ Can I use different proteins instead of tofu?

Absolutely! This versatile dish works well with ground chicken, pork, beef, or turkey as traditional alternatives. For vegetarians, try using mushrooms (especially oyster or king oyster mushrooms), tempeh, or seitan as substitutes for the tofu. Just adjust cooking times accordingly based on your chosen protein.